2013–2014 The Bulletin - USS at Tufts - Tufts University

Education >
Lecturer Susan Barahal, Art education
Lecturer Pamela Bower-Basso, Art education
Lecturer Brian Gravel, Director; STEM elementary education
Lecturer Silas Pinto, School psychology
Lecturer Ryan Redmond, Middle and high school education
Lecturer Cynthia Robinson, Director; Museum education
Lecturer Erin Seaton, Learning and development
Research Professor Ronald K. Thornton, Director; Center
for Science and Mathematics Teaching
Research Assistant Professor Merredith Portsmore,
Engineering education
The Department of Education offers courses in
educational theory, practice, and research. Courses
explore how students of all ages learn in different
content areas, examine the institutions that serve
children and youth, and study the cultural, historical,
and philosophical influences that shape educational
theory and effective professional service. Course
offerings are complemented with opportunities for
students to observe and work in a variety of
educational settings as teachers, school psychologists,
museum educators, curriculum developers and
researchers. Opportunities to participate in
curriculum development and research are provided
by faculty in the department and by the Center for
Science and Mathematical Teaching and the Center
for Engineering Educational Outreach. Through
applied experiences, an essential part of the
programs in education, students learn to integrate
theory and research into their practice.
The department does not have an undergraduate
major, but offers a number of courses for undergraduate
students interested in exploring the field
of education, as well as a Minor in Education.
The department’s graduate programs prepare
candidates for Massachusetts Department of
Education licensure as elementary school teachers
and as middle and high school teachers of English,
political science/political philosophy, history,
engineering mathematics, general science, earth
science, biology, chemistry, physics, French,
Spanish, German, Japanese, Latin and the classical
humanities, and visual art. The department also
offers a graduate degree program in preparation for
state licensure and national certification as school
psychologists. These licenses for teaching and
school psychology are recognized by the majority of
states.
The M.A. in educational studies provides an
opportunity for graduate students to pursue an
individual course of study. The M.A. in museum
education prepares students for careers in museum
settings. The M.A. in Science Education as well as
the M.S. and Ph.D. programs in mathematics,
science, technology, and engineering education
prepare students for careers in higher education and
research institutions through the development of
original research about teaching and learning in
these areas.
DEPArtMENT FACILITIES
AND AFFILIATED ProgrAMS
Media Center
The Media Center provides students with information
and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art
curricula, technological tools, and other educational
materials.
Educator Licensure
The Department of Education offers students in
Tufts’ professional licensure programs the opportunity
to apply for initial licensure as teachers and
school psychologists in Massachusetts. Students
who complete these programs must take the
appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator
Licensure and submit their applications to Tufts’
institutional representative for licensure.
Center for Science and Mathematics Teaching
The center is an associated facility of the department
located in the Science and Technology
Center at 4 Colby Street on the Medford campus.
The center is involved in evaluating and developing
new methods and materials for the teaching of
science and mathematics, particularly in the area of
micro-computer-based instruction. Research
Professor Ronald Thornton is the director of the
center. For more information on the center’s
activities, call 617-627-2825 or visit
http://ase.tufts.edu/csmt/.
UNDERGRADUATE MINOR IN EDUCATION
The Department of Education offers a Minor in
Education. Five courses are required. There are two
possible concentrations: Educational Studies OR
Teaching and Learning.
Students pursuing a Minor in Education with a
concentration in Educational Studies have an
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